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About Playbook for Progressives

An organizing manifesto for the twenty-first century, Playbook for Progressives is a must-have for the activist’s tool kit. This comprehensive guide articulates pragmatically what is required in the often mystifying and rarely explained on-the-ground practice of organizing. Here, Eric Mann distills lessons he learned from over forty years as an organizer, as well as from other organizers within the civil rights, labor, LGBT, economic justice, and environmental movements.

About Playbook for Progressives

An organizing manifesto for the twenty-first century, Playbook for Progressives is a must-have for the activist’s tool kit. This comprehensive guide articulates pragmatically what is required in the often mystifying and rarely explained on-the-ground practice of organizing. Here, Eric Mann distills lessons he learned from over forty years as an organizer, as well as from other organizers within the civil rights, labor, LGBT, economic justice, and environmental movements.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Praise

“In addition to his descriptions of a successful organizer’s qualities and roles, his insider view of activism, and his thorough knowledge of participants and parties through the years, gives this book its value”—Publishers Weekly“An Art of War for organizers around the world. Buy ten copies and pass them on.”—Mike Davis

“We desperately need change. We need to reclaim and rebuild real democracy. The skills of organizing that Eric Mann shares in Playbook for Progressives are the life blood of democracy, human rights, social and economic justice, and planetary survival.”—Vandana Shiva, author of Soil Not Oil and Earth Democracy

“Eric Mann has written an essential field guide for community organizers. His voice is crisp and clear, and his footsteps on the pavement are sharp. A pragmatic primer for all radicals.”—Vijay Prashad, author of The Darker Nations: A People’s History of the Third World

“Eric Mann is a bridge builder, a gifted organizer who unites Blacks, Latinos, Asians, and whites in the fight for social justice and change. Playbook for Progressives is the Rules for Radicals for the twenty-first century.”—Rodolfo Acuña, author of Occupied America: A History of Chicanos

“Based on concrete examples of organizers who transformed their countries, communities, and workplaces, Playbook for Progressives is a beacon that effectively illustrates the techniques and skills of transformative community organizing. A must-read for individuals and organizations that want to change the ideological and economic roots of oppression.”—Melvin H. King, emeritus faculty, MIT; author of Chain of Change; and founder of the South End Technology Center

Table Of Contents

Introductionpart 1. The Job Description12 Roles of the Successful Organizer

1. The Foot Soldier2. The Evangelist3. The Recruiter4. The Group Builder5. The Strategist6. The Tactician7. The Communicator8. The Political Educator9. The Agitator10. The Fund-Raiser11. The Comrade and Confidante12. The CadrePart 2. The Qualities16 Qualities of the Successful Organizer

1. Joins an Organization Based on Agreement with Its Strategy and Tactics 2. Builds a Base and Never Walks Alone 3. Sings with the Choir but Finds Her Own Voice 4. A Good Listener: Keeps an Ear to the Ground 5. A Good Investigator: Seeks Truth from Facts 6. Tribune of the People: Fights for All the Oppressed 7. Generosity of Spirit: Takes Good Care of Others 8. Self-Sustaining: Takes Good Care of Himself 9. Completes the Circle: From Start to Finish 10. Tactically Agile: Masters the Decision of the Moment 11. A Strong Class Stand: Which Side Are You On? 12. The Organizer as Expert: Science in Service to the People 13. Courageous and Militant: On the Front Lines of the Battle 14. A Strong Work Ethic: First to Arrive, Last to Leave 15. Relentless: Won’t Take No for an Answer 16. Fights to Win: Leading the Great Campaign